Fakhar Zaman’s stunning century leads Pakistan to tri-series glory

LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman delivered a spectacular batting performance, smashing a brilliant century to guide Pakistan to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 326 runs, Pakistan recovered from an early batting collapse to reach 329-7 in 48.3 overs, securing the trophy in front of their home crowd.

Fakhar was the star of the final, scoring a magnificent 127 off just 99 deliveries, including 11 fours and six sixes. His outstanding innings earned Pakistan a crucial advantage after the hosts lost two early wickets.

Pakistan suffered a nightmare start when Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Maaz Sadaqat for five and Babar Azam for a duck, leaving the hosts struggling at 14-2.

However, Fakhar joined teenage wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig to rebuild the innings. The pair produced an impressive 149-run partnership for the third wicket, bringing Pakistan back into the contest.

Baig played a mature innings of 74 from 75 balls, striking 11 boundaries before being dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana.

Fakhar continued his aggressive approach alongside Salman Ali Agha, completing his 12th ODI century before Madushanka finally ended his innings in the 34th over.

With Pakistan at 230-5, the match remained delicately balanced. Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas then delivered another decisive partnership, adding 94 runs to put Pakistan within reach of victory.

Minhas smashed 61 off only 31 balls, including four sixes and three fours, while Hasan provided valuable support.

Although Asitha Fernando dismissed Minhas and Faheem Ashraf in the 48th over, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi ended the contest in style by smashing a six off Madushanka in the penultimate over.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted an imposing 325-8 after being asked to bat first.

Kamindu Mendis led the visitors with his maiden ODI century, scoring 131 off 128 deliveries, while Pavan Rathnayake contributed an impressive 77.

The pair shared a 146-run partnership for the third wicket, putting Sri Lanka in a strong position.

Pakistan’s bowling attack fought back towards the end, restricting Sri Lanka to 38 runs in the final five overs. Shaheen, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah claimed two wickets each, while Salman Ali Agha finished with 2-44.

Fakhar’s match-winning century and Pakistan’s fighting comeback ensured a memorable end to the tri-series, with the hosts lifting the trophy after a thrilling final.